The points of issue
Olympia Press, Traveller's Companion Series No. 100, green wrappers; original franc price on the rear wrapper. First printing carries the series number 100.
Is this the true first?
Olympia Paris (1962) is the true world first. The Grove (1967) US edition is a revised/expanded text ('first thus'). Confirm Traveller's Companion No. 100 for the Olympia first.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book club. As with The Soft Machine, the later Grove/Calder editions are revised texts; the Olympia No. 100 is the only true original first.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Ticket That Exploded a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Olympia Press, Traveller's Companion Series No. 100, green wrappers; original franc price on the rear wrapper. First printing carries the series number 100.
How do I tell the first printing from a later one?
Check the copyright page for the publisher's first-printing convention and confirm the points above. Olympia Paris (1962) is the true world first. The Grove (1967) US edition is a revised/expanded text ('first thus'). Confirm Traveller's Companion No. 100 for the Olympia first.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book club. As with The Soft Machine, the later Grove/Calder editions are revised texts; the Olympia No. 100 is the only true original first.
I have a first edition of The Ticket That Exploded — what should I do?
If you're clearing books, New Mexico Literacy Project offers free pickup in Albuquerque, any condition, and makes sure collectible copies aren't lost. To sell, see the author's collecting guide. Either way, nothing valuable ends up in a landfill.